Arizona Defense (1 Viewer)

[pretender]

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Arizona's defense will determine its fate in '06

Nobody can deny that the Arizona Cardinals have a championship-caliber offense. After all, they're led by one-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Kurt Warner, one of the league's best runners in Edgerrin James, as well as perhaps the NFL's best receiving tandem, which is made up of Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. Adding onto that list is slot wideout Bryant Johnson and uber-talented tight end Leonard Pope, who was picked up by the Cardinals in the third round of April's draft.

The Cardinals' offense looks outstanding, but many are discounting their defense as little more than second-rate. On the contrary, Arizona's defensive unit finished eighth in yardage surrendered last season, which is obviously in the upper-class. However, that same defense finished 26th in points allowed, and that's clearly in the league's lower-echelon.

If the Cardinals wish to find the postseason for the first time since 1998, they'll need to get the defense's point ranking raised up to a respectable number. With an offense as good as theirs, the Cardinals' defense won't exactly have to be reminiscent of the '85 Bears. Thus, the task isn't all that daunting for Arizona's defenders, who are led by their coordinator, Clancy Pendergast.

Judging by outward appearances, the Cardinals' defense seems more than capable of rising to respectability next season.

On the defensive line, Arizona brings four solid defenders for the first time in a long time. Chike Okeafor and Bert Berry form one of the NFL's foremost tandems at the defensive end position, as they've shown time and again their ability to terrorize opposing quarterbacks. Meanwhile, the Cardinals mix solid veteran experience with a terrific youngster at the defensive tackle position, with free-agent signee Kendrick Clancy and third-year man Darnell Dockett penciled in as starters.

Despite their obvious strength on the defensive line, the Cardinals' have a pair of concerns in their linebacking corps. Starting middle linebacker Karlos Dansby is developing into a magnificent player, but the strong and weak-side 'backer positions are causes for apprehension in Arizona.

The 270-pound Calvin Pace is currently on the strong-side; however, he's been nothing but a bust in his three previous seasons, where he was originally a defensive end for the Cardinals. The former Wake Forest standout has accumulated just 6 ½ sacks in 35 games. Arizona's best bet might not be Pace, but Darryl Blackstock. The second-year man from Virginia barely played last season, but he likely has more upside than Pace, who has been a first-round disappointment. At the moment, the job seems like Pace's to lose, and he could very well lose it.

The weak-side starter, Orlando Huff, has been serviceable throughout his career, but would probably be better off as a dependable reserve. Unfortunately for Arizona, he's the only player capable of starting at that particular position right now. Rookie fifth-rounder Brandon Johnson might be in the Cardinals' future, but it's not his time yet.

The success of Arizona's secondary might depend on second-year man Antrel Rolle, who only played in five games last year as a rookie. The ex-eighth overall pick has all the tools to be one of the league's best cornerbacks, if he can get his knee intact. Right now, the Cardinals are hopeful he can regain optimum health and be their No. 1 corner.

If Rolle's knee holds up, it would take a lot of pressure off the team's main starter from last season, David Macklin. The former Indianapolis Colt has experienced some nice success with the Cardinals the last two years, picking off six passes. The 27-year-old has also piled up 125 tackles and 27 pass deflections in the process. Although he's been solid as Arizona's No. 1 man, it would be in Macklin's best interests to defend the opposition's second-best receiver, rather than the elites of the league.

The Cardinals' strong safety, Adrian Wilson, has quietly emerged as one of the NFL's premier playmakers at his position. Wilson came out of his shell last year, racking up a whopping 109 tackles and a jaw-dropping eight sacks. It's tough enough for a lineman to accumulate that many sacks, so when a defensive back does it, it's a major boost for the entire unit. Arizona's certainly lucky to have the underrated Wilson.

Accompanying Wilson is free safety Robert Griffith, who showed some signs of decline in 2005, his first campaign with the Arizona Cardinals . In 2004, Griffith, a 12-year veteran, tallied 118 total tackles with the Cleveland Browns , who then promptly sent the veteran his walking papers. He signed with Arizona and appeared in all 16 games last year, but made just 64 tackles. In the past five seasons, Griffith has only come up with a solitary interception, so he's never been the greatest of impact players. Truthfully, Griffith might be the only concern in the Cardinals' defensive backfield.

Outside of a couple obvious weaknesses, the Cardinals' defense looks like an above-average unit. If it can rise from No. 26 in points allowed to the top 15, Arizona will probably be looking at its first playoff berth in just under a decade. Without question, the offense can certainly hold its own.

--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com

 

[pretender]

Interesting tidbit

Cardinals | Pace continues to be encouraged by move to linebacker Published Thu Jun 15 9:09:00 a.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) Kent Somers, of the Arizona Republic, reports Arizona Cardinals LB Calvin Pace is encouraged with his move from defensive end to outside linebacker. Cardinals' coaches have been pleased with his development, and it appears Pace will stay at linebacker. Pace not only provides depth behind starting OLB Karlos Dansby at the strong outside linebacker spot, he gives defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast additional options when scheming for an opponent. Pace is quick to admit the transition to outside linebacker has not been seamless. Adapting to pass coverage and diagnosing routes hasn't come easily, but he has improved through the team's off-season workouts, which end today.

 

[ffchamp1]

Interesting tidbit

Cardinals | Pace continues to be encouraged by move to linebacker Published Thu Jun 15 9:09:00 a.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) Kent Somers, of the Arizona Republic, reports Arizona Cardinals LB Calvin Pace is encouraged with his move from defensive end to outside linebacker. Cardinals' coaches have been pleased with his development, and it appears Pace will stay at linebacker. Pace not only provides depth behind starting OLB Karlos Dansby at the strong outside linebacker spot, he gives defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast additional options when scheming for an opponent. Pace is quick to admit the transition to outside linebacker has not been seamless. Adapting to pass coverage and diagnosing routes hasn't come easily, but he has improved through the team's off-season workouts, which end today.

Will likely be same lineup as last year with Dansby SLB, Darling MLB and Huff at WLB with only Dansby being a solid play.Blackstock has received good press this offseason so be could make a run for SLB which would/could/might move Dansby to the middle where he has worked at the earlier mini-camps

Tom

 

[Pick]

Per the blogger.

LB Pace Making Progress

Kent Somers, Arizona Republic - Full Story

The Arizona Cardinals moved DE Calvin Pace to OLB and so far it's been a good move. Pace still has a long way to go but has impressed the coaching staff with his development.

 

[dapace2]

Will likely be same lineup as last year with Dansby SLB, Darling MLB and Huff at WLB with only Dansby being a solid play.

Blackstock has received good press this offseason so be could make a run for SLB which would/could/might move Dansby to the middle where he has worked at the earlier mini-camps

Tom

I thought I read someplace the Green is a big fan of Gerald Hayes, and he'll be the first string MLB upon returning from injury.

 

[Beaumont]

Will likely be same lineup as last year with Dansby SLB, Darling MLB and Huff at WLB with only Dansby being a solid play.

Blackstock has received good press this offseason so be could make a run for SLB which would/could/might move Dansby to the middle where he has worked at the earlier mini-camps

Tom

I thought I read someplace the Green is a big fan of Gerald Hayes, and he'll be the first string MLB upon returning from injury.

 

[Buckle]

Boy, Lance Mitchell is really out of the picture.

 

[ffchamp1]

Will likely be same lineup as last year with Dansby SLB, Darling MLB and Huff at WLB with only Dansby being a solid play.

Blackstock has received good press this offseason so be could make a run for SLB which would/could/might move Dansby to the middle where he has worked at the earlier mini-camps

Tom

I thought I read someplace the Green is a big fan of Gerald Hayes, and he'll be the first string MLB upon returning from injury.

You are correct, Green is a fan of Hayes. However, he is not healthy nor has he been as of late.Both Mitchell and Hayes have promise but both are question marks due to injuries

Tom

 

[Chaos Commish]

Boy, Lance Mitchell is really out of the picture.

I wouldn't be so sure of that. realfootball365.com is just a bunch of very amateur writers. They do not get paid. They're just average joes like us who submit material to that site. The guy calls Dansby the MLB. That said, Brandon Johnson is the player who intrigues me the most there. He excelled at Louisville on athleticism alone. He's 6-5 long armed, very very quick and fast, always around the ball, good ball skills, excellent in coverage. He isn't a technique guy, he isn't a strong tackler or a big hitter. He's just a major nuisance almost every snap. He has the make up of a nice WLB if he develops his instincts and athleticism with some good coaching. It isn't like the competition at WLB in AZ rules out the possibility of him getting a shot.

 

[Rozelle]

Boy, Lance Mitchell is really out of the picture.

I wouldn't be so sure of that. realfootball365.com is just a bunch of very amateur writers. They do not get paid. They're just average joes like us who submit material to that site. The guy calls Dansby the MLB. That said, Brandon Johnson is the player who intrigues me the most there. He excelled at Louisville on athleticism alone. He's 6-5 long armed, very very quick and fast, always around the ball, good ball skills, excellent in coverage. He isn't a technique guy, he isn't a strong tackler or a big hitter. He's just a major nuisance almost every snap. He has the make up of a nice WLB if he develops his instincts and athleticism with some good coaching. It isn't like the competition at WLB in AZ rules out the possibility of him getting a shot.

From what I've read on Johnson, his poor work ethic will hinder his development. Like so many players, who are so-called athletic, they get by with their athleticism, and never develop the intangables needed for the next level. He is definatley a project.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Boy, Lance Mitchell is really out of the picture.

I wouldn't be so sure of that. realfootball365.com is just a bunch of very amateur writers. They do not get paid. They're just average joes like us who submit material to that site. The guy calls Dansby the MLB. That said, Brandon Johnson is the player who intrigues me the most there. He excelled at Louisville on athleticism alone. He's 6-5 long armed, very very quick and fast, always around the ball, good ball skills, excellent in coverage. He isn't a technique guy, he isn't a strong tackler or a big hitter. He's just a major nuisance almost every snap. He has the make up of a nice WLB if he develops his instincts and athleticism with some good coaching. It isn't like the competition at WLB in AZ rules out the possibility of him getting a shot.

From what I've read on Johnson, his poor work ethic will hinder his development. Like so many players, who are so-called athletic, they get by with their athleticism, and never develop the intangables needed for the next level. He is definatley a project.

Just curious if you could link to what you read about a poor work ethic? I thought I read he worked very hard in the weight room and on conditioning. He looks like he does. I followed Louisvile fairly closely last year and I can't remember this being an issue. A little light? Yes. A little soft as a one on one tackler? Yes. Inf fact, if you watch him a lot you'll notice he arm tackles all the time. He's just not much for exploding into a tackle and making heavy contact, but at least he wraps up everytime (he can). I agree he's a project, and just said he intrigues me the most of the weakside candidates there. Very likely he's nothing more than a special teamer for a year or two, but if he develops, he really has the tools to be a productive IDP. I didn't rush out and draft him in a rookie draft, nor am I interested in him (at the moment as an FA), but there isn't much to be intrigued about at WLB in AZ. That's all.

 

[Rozelle]

Boy, Lance Mitchell is really out of the picture.

I wouldn't be so sure of that. realfootball365.com is just a bunch of very amateur writers. They do not get paid. They're just average joes like us who submit material to that site. The guy calls Dansby the MLB. That said, Brandon Johnson is the player who intrigues me the most there. He excelled at Louisville on athleticism alone. He's 6-5 long armed, very very quick and fast, always around the ball, good ball skills, excellent in coverage. He isn't a technique guy, he isn't a strong tackler or a big hitter. He's just a major nuisance almost every snap. He has the make up of a nice WLB if he develops his instincts and athleticism with some good coaching. It isn't like the competition at WLB in AZ rules out the possibility of him getting a shot.

From what I've read on Johnson, his poor work ethic will hinder his development. Like so many players, who are so-called athletic, they get by with their athleticism, and never develop the intangables needed for the next level. He is definatley a project.

Just curious if you could link to what you read about a poor work ethic? I thought I read he worked very hard in the weight room and on conditioning. He looks like he does. I followed Louisvile fairly closely last year and I can't remember this being an issue. A little light? Yes. A little soft as a one on one tackler? Yes. Inf fact, if you watch him a lot you'll notice he arm tackles all the time. He's just not much for exploding into a tackle and making heavy contact, but at least he wraps up everytime (he can). I agree he's a project, and just said he intrigues me the most of the weakside candidates there. Very likely he's nothing more than a special teamer for a year or two, but if he develops, he really has the tools to be a productive IDP. I didn't rush out and draft him in a rookie draft, nor am I interested in him (at the moment as an FA), but there isn't much to be intrigued about at WLB in AZ. That's all.

Sorry can't link, my source was from Pro Football Weekly's Draft Preview. Here are some things said ... Lacks bulk and bulk strength and looks more like a baseball player than a LB. Struggles to add weight and has poor eating habits. They also said ... he can be lazy and is still a little immature. Not a great worker. But hey ... I don't watch or follow Louisville football. Just sharing what I read. Maybe they feel he works on his body, and not his mind, I don't know?